A teenager has been arrested over claims that he hacked into websites and disrupted computer networks to illegally obtain personal and private information.

The Police Central eCrime Unit (PCeU), supported by officers from Northumberland Constabulary, arrested a 17-year-old boy in Newcastle in connection with alleged offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

He was taken to a local police station to be interviewed.

The suspect is allegedly a member of, and spokesman for, TeaMp0isoN (TeamPoison) – a group which has claimed responsibility for more than 1,400 offences where personal and private information has been illegally extracted from victims in the UK and around the world, a Metropolitan police spokesman said.

TeamPoison has recently claimed responsibility online for hacks involving foreign politicians, major international businesses, an international humanitarian agency and foreign law enforcement, he added. These claims are being investigated.

The Met police spokesman said: "Computer equipment has been seized and is undergoing a detailed forensic examination.

"Inquiries continue between the PCeU and other relevant law enforcement agencies in this continuing and wide-ranging investigation."